Lucas is already dressed for work and finishing his coffee. Although his clothing is nothing like the suits his brothers wear. He’s in faded jeans, a black t-shirt, and a khaki-colored jacket. My heart always skips a beat at how handsome he is. Will I ever get used to that feeling?
Lucas flicks out his wrist to glance at his watch. “I better run.”
I walk him to the door, cup his face, and give him a quick goodbye kiss on the lips. “Have a great day,” I say. Just like a girlfriend or wife would do when their partner leaves for work. But I’m neither of those things. Realizing what I’d done, I drop my hand from his face and start to step back. Lucas clasps my wrist and tugs me forward so I bump into his chest.
“I need something to last me throughout the day.” His mouth catches mine in a long, deep kiss. As he tunnels his fingers through my hair and parts my lips with his tongue, my toes curl and my body tingles.
This isn’t pretend anymore. Not for me. Surely not for Lucas. We’ve crossed that line. Lucas must feel it too. When he comes home from work tonight, I need to talk to him. Tell him how I feel. If he can’t give me more, as much as it will tear my heart out, I’ll have to say goodbye. I can’t be in this limbo kind of relationship. It’s too much for my heart to take.
When we break apart, we take a moment to hold each other and get our breath back. “See you this afternoon.” He pecks my nose and seems reluctant to leave. If Claudia and my mother weren’t arriving at any moment, I’d convince him to stay home.
“Bye,” I say.
He turns to leave, stops, then spins back around. Hoping he’s changed his mind, I’m ready to call my mother and cancel our meeting. Instead he says, “I forgot to tell you I’m invited to a film and photography awards ceremony tonight.”
I deflate with disappointment. I really wanted to talk to him. “Sounds fun.”
He pulls a face. “More like long and boring. What will make it tolerable is if you come with me. Please don’t make me go on my own.” He puts his hands together and holds them under his chin like he’s praying.
“I would love to go with you. Except it’s such short notice. I don’t have an appropriate dress.” The clothes Lucas provided had everything except something suitable for an awards ceremony. “I’d need to make appointments to get my hair and makeup done, and I doubt I can get anything scheduled last minute.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll send our glam team over later. And I know Juliette will have something suitable for you to wear. I’ll send her over too.” With that, he gives me a quick kiss then rushes out of the apartment.
Wait… Does he mean Juliette Monet? Their head designer who creates some of the world’s most beautiful gowns? Surely I heard wrong.
I place my fingertips on my lips. My mouth is tingling from his kiss. This time there was no mention of pretending to be a couple. Turning it on for the people watching. This feels like a real date. Or did he forget to say so because he needed to rush to work?
A few minutes later, there’s a knock at the door and I let Claudia and my mother in. I lead them into the living room, and we get comfortable on the couches.
Claudia barely glances my way. Her nose is buried in her phone. Lines are creasing her forehead. I inwardly sigh. What more crap about me is she reading? I twist the ring on my finger, waiting for her to hit me with it.
When she doesn’t take her eyes off her phone and taps away at her screen, I can’t wait any longer. “What’s being said about me now?”
Claudia’s head snaps up. “Oh, nothing. All is quiet for now.”
That is more ominous than reassuring. Like more bad news is about to drop. However, there’s no point stressing over something that hasn’t happened. And I need to focus on the work my mother has booked for me. “So, Mom, what job do you have for me?”
“I’ve booked a baby shower for you to plan next month.”
“Who is it for?” I try to remember what celebrities are currently pregnant.
My mother bites her bottom lip as her fingers tap the arm of the couch. “It’s for a couple who live in my apartment building.” You remember Tao Yang and her wife Virginia who live below me? Tao only has two months until her due date and needs a party planner urgently. I know it doesn’t seem like much—not compared to what you’re used to—but she has a few high society friends who will be attending. It’s a good way of networking and getting your name out there again in a more positive light,” she explains with a flicker of concern on her face. Like she thinks I’ll be worried this job isn’t good enough.
For a moment, I wait for the disappointment to hit. I’ve planned parties for musicians, actors, supermodels, and politicians, all at the top of their field. This is a huge drop in my career. But when the disappointment doesn’t rear up, I realize I’m more than okay with it. I don’t need huge celebrity names to enjoy what I do. I love planning parties. Whether big or small, it has always given me joy to create a space someone loves.
“Of course, the money isn’t close to what you usually charge,” she says with regret.
“I’ve got enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I’m not worried about that. I don’t need a luxurious lifestyle to be happy.”
Claudia makes a scoffing sound, and I turn to look at her. “You say that now. I bet you’ll change your mind when the money dries up and you’re living in a dump.”
Something is wrong with Claudia. She’s never so cynical and mean. I guess this affects her too. “If you’re worried about getting paid, or your job, don’t be. I’m positive things will pick up again.”
She gives me a stiff smile. I’ve been so caught up with my life and falling in love with Lucas have I missed a problem with her?
“In more good news,” my mother says, “the publisher has agreed to publish your book. Like we discussed, they’re slicing your royalties, but it will be in stores. That’s the main thing. I’ll set up a meeting with them next week to sign the contract.”
“This is all so great. Thanks, Mom. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
